The Court of Death c. 1870 - 1902

Editor: Watts’ *The Court of Death*—such a large painting, and the figures are arranged in a way that feels both classical and unsettling. What do you see in this work from a formal perspective? Curator: The composition, clearly divided into upper and lower registers, establishes a hierarchy. The upper section, dominated by the figure of Death, uses a muted palette, contrasting with the earthy tones below. Notice the stark verticals that frame the central figure; what effect do you think Watts intended? Editor: Perhaps to emphasize the figure's power and immovability? The verticals do create a sense of stability, even inevitability. Curator: Precisely. And consider the textures. The smooth, almost ethereal quality of the upper figures contrasts with the rough, more tactile rendering of the mortals below, reinforcing their earthly struggles. Editor: I hadn't considered the textural contrast so explicitly. It does seem crucial to the painting's overall impact. Curator: Indeed. These formal choices are not merely decorative; they are integral to the work's meaning.